The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

A Light For Abused Women (GALLERY)

Woman Abuse Prevention Month is over, but the nightmare continues for abused women across the province.

On Wednesday night, Chatham-Kent Women's Centre held a luminary ceremony, where attendees stood on the sidewalk with a lit bag bearing the name of someone who had been a victim of domestic violence.

Executive Director Karen Hunter says they did that to shine a light for the 29 women and children murdered in Ontario from 2013-2014.

"As a community we wanted to come out tonight to light luminary bags and show our support and remember those who are victims of family and domestic violence," says Hunter.

The Women's Centre has been raising awareness with different types of events throughout November.

"We've had lots and lots of support," says Hunter.

However, with an increased amount of awareness, comes an increase in women who need support.

"It's kind of a double edged sword because when you increase your awareness about domestic violence and assault, your numbers are increasing in terms of shelter," says Hunter, adding they've noticed an increase in their crisis hotline as well.

Hunter says those who need help can call their 24-hour crisis line or go to their 24-hour shelter.

The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)The luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

A few of the bags at the luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)A few of the bags at the luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

One of the bags at the luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)One of the bags at the luminary ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre. November 30, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

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